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. 2010 Dec;136(12):1839-44.
doi: 10.1007/s00432-010-0842-7. Epub 2010 Mar 9.

Diagnostic dilemma of abdominopelvic tuberculosis:a series of 20 cases

Xia Xi  1 , Li Shuang, Wang Dan, Hu Ting, Meng Yu Han, Cao Ying, Mei Quan, ChaoYang Sun, ZhiLan Chen, Feng Cui, Cao Ming, Jian Feng Zhou, Wang Shi Xuan, Yun Ping Lu, Ding Ma
Affiliations

Diagnostic dilemma of abdominopelvic tuberculosis:a series of 20 cases

Xia Xi et al. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2010 Dec.

Abstract

Objective: To establish more effective diagnostic procedures to identify the characteristic features of abdominopelvic tuberculosis (APTB) mimicking advanced ovarian cancer.

Methods: A retrospective review of 20 cases of APTB mimicking advanced ovarian cancer was undertaken.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 28.9 ± 10.8 years. The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (45%) and distention (45%). CA125 level was elevated in 18 cases (90.0%). Pelvic mass in 18 patients (90.0%) and ascites in 12 patients (60.0%) were detected by using abdominal US. The bacteriologic cultures and cytological studies were all negative (10 cases, 100%). Laparotomy (17 cases) and laparoscopic evaluation (1 case) was performed with the presumptive diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer except for 2 patients treated with diagnostic anti-TB chemotherapy. The common intra-operative findings were miliary nodules (14 cases, 77.8%) and widespread adhesion (10 cases, 55.6%). Intra-operative frozen section was obtained in 10 cases, and the typical tuberculosis tubercles were detected in all cases.

Conclusion: APTB should be considered in all cases with pelvic mass, ascites and high levels of CA125, although clinical features and laboratory results specifically indicate neither ovarian malignancy nor APTB. Diagnostic laparotomy is a direct and safe method. To avoid extended surgery, the cases with APTB can be diagnosed through intra-operative frozen section in conjunction with clinical features.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Tissue sections obtained from various parts of the ovary (A, C) and omentum (B, D) were diagnosed as chronic granulomatous inflammation with necrosis
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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